Multi-axis gaming chair assembly

ABSTRACT

An assembly structured to movably support a video game or video simulation participant comprising a chair movably connected to and supported by a frame. A driver assembly includes a plurality of driver members collectively structured to concurrently or independently move the chair about any one or all of a plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes. A control assembly includes a manually operable control member operatively connected to the driver assembly to accomplish substantially corresponding movement of the chair with that of the control member. A display assembly including a monitor disposed to be viewable from the chair and a processing assembly is operatively associated with the monitor to determine the video content displayed thereon. The control assembly and the driver assembly are operatively interconnected to determine movement of the chair independently of the content of the video.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a support assembly in the form of a chairmovable by a participant based on his/her reaction to an observed videogame or video simulation. A driver assembly and control assembly arecooperatively structured to accomplish movement of the chair about anyone or all of a plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes inreaction to the participant's manipulation of a portion of the controlassembly. A processor assembly includes Internet or other networkcommunication capabilities operatively connected to the display monitorfor determining the video content observed by the participant.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the major advancements in computer technology over the past fewyears, the popularity of video games has increased dramaticallyresulting in a multi-million dollar per year industry. Many commerciallyavailable video game platforms are used primarily on personal computersor game box in a home or other non-commercial environment. However, theexpansion of the video game market has increased to the extent thatpublic venues including competitions are also enjoying increasedpopularity. Traditionally, depending upon the environment in which avideo game is played or demonstrated, an individual stands or sits at astationary computer or gaming machine. Operation or participation in thecontent of the video game involves observing a video display as well asoperating various control features. Such control features may includejoysticks, levers, pedals, etc. In addition, motion directed video gamesinvolving the traveling of a vehicle also may include appropriatelycorresponding control mechanisms, such as steering wheels, steeringyokes, etc. which are used to simulate the driving or operation of thevehicle being displayed.

In order to enhance the experience of a video game player, “gamingchairs” have been introduced which are structured to attempt to simulatemovements of the vehicle involved in the video content being displayed.Similarly, movable seats or participant supporting devices are alsostructured to provide movement, feel, and other features which simulatethe overall environment of the video content being displayed.

However, disadvantage and problems associated with the manufacture,operation and cost of known or conventional gaming seats are wellrecognized in the video game industry. Typically, the movement involvedin such support assemblies is somewhat limited and frequently is notsufficiently versatile to provide a realistic simulation whichcorresponds to the content of the video game being observed. Also,conventional gaming chairs and like support assemblies may be structuredto directly correspond to a specific video game or category of gamesthereby lacking sufficient versatility to be readily adapted to avariety of different categories of video content. Other problems anddisadvantages associated with known gaming chairs involve the mechanicaland operative components which serve to accomplish the intendedsimulated movement. Such components may be slow to respond tomanipulation of a joystick or other controlling structure by theparticipant. Therefore, with such limited versatility of the type setforth above, gaming chairs, seats and like individual support assembliesdo not adequately simulate movement of vehicles or other video contentassociated with many, if not a majority of the video games or likedisplayed video simulations.

Accordingly, there is a need in the video gaming industry for a supportassembly including a chair capable of being concurrently movedthroughout a plurality of predetermined axes in direct and immediateresponse to corresponding movement of any one of a plurality ofdifferent type of control members including the aforementioned joystick,steering wheel, etc. Further, such an improved and proposed supportassembly should be structured to provide a completely realistic “feel”to the participant involved in the video game or like simulated videodisplay in order to increase the enjoyment of the participant. Moreover,such an improved support assembly should be relatively light in weight,efficiently constructed and operationally sound so as to be capable ofrepeated use over a long operable life and be readily adaptable to avariety of different video games or vide displays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly in the form of a chairand more commonly known as a “gaming chair” which is used to movablysupport a participant when viewing a video game or video simulation. Asused herein the terms “video game” or “video simulation” are to beinterpreted in the broadest sense. As such these terms are used hereinto describe any type of video presentation or content, wherein anindividual views and is expected to participate in the “action” of thedisplayed content by manipulating a control member. The operation of thecontrol member thereby serves to move and/or position the chair in amanner which corresponds to the video content.

By way of example only, the video content may comprise travel of avehicle, such as an airplane, automobile, boat, etc. wherein theparticipant manually operates a control member so as to coordinatemovement of the support assembly or chair to the travel of the vehicleor other object represented in the video content. As such, the variousoperative components of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention accomplish movements and/or positioning of the chair and aparticipant present thereon about any one or all of a plurality of axes.Moreover, the movement or positioning of the chair and supportedparticipant about multiple axes will result in a more “real life”experience thereby allowing the participant to more closely realize or“feel” the action of the video content being displayed.

As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, one or morepreferred embodiments of the support assembly and/or gaming chair of thepresent invention may also include a processor assembly comprising anappropriate computer or processor facility. The processor assembly hascapability of communicating over the internet and/or other communicationnetwork, wherein the processor assembly is operatively interconnected tothe display assembly, including the aforementioned monitor so as tocontrol or at least determine the video content display thereon.Further, the processor assembly has the capability, through interactive,operational circuitry associated with both the processor assembly andthe display assembly, to operate a variety of different console gamesystems which are well known and widely available on the commercialmarket. Also, additional software can be maintained within the processorfacility or alternatively accessed over the Internet or otherpredetermined communication network to support the operation of thevarious embodiments of the present invention and/or the performance andoperational characteristics of the video content being displayed.Further, at least one preferred embodiment of the present inventionincorporates a Windows-based control software which requires onlyEthernet and updates which are available online.

Accordingly, at least one or more preferred embodiments of the supportassembly of the present invention include a chair being movablysupported on a support frame, wherein the support frame may include abase disposed on a supporting surface as well as a stanchion assemblyserving to interconnect the base to the support frame and therefore tothe chair. The chair, in order to provide control, comfort and overalloperational efficiency to the participant, further includes additionalstructural features such as an adjustable foot assembly extendingoutwardly from the chair a variably spaced distance. Also, the displayassembly includes a monitor as well as a monitor mount. In the variouspreferred embodiments of the present invention, the monitor amountincludes an elongated configuration interconnected to the chair or tothe base. When the monitor mount is connected to the chair, the monitorsupported thereby is movable with the chair about a plurality ofpreferably transversely oriented axes. Alternatively, the elongatedmonitor mount may be secured to the base or other fixed portion of theassembly such that the position of the monitor and the monitor mount onwhich it is supported are disposed in a substantially fixed positionrelative to the multi-axis travel or positioning of the chair.

As at least generally set forth above, the control assembly includesboth the operational circuitry serving to interconnect it to theprocessing assembly and/or a driver assembly as well as at least onecontrol member. In somewhat typical fashion, the control member mayassume a variety of structural characteristics such as those representedby a joystick, steering wheel, etc. Moreover, the control member is handmanipulated by the participant and is adjustably disposed in easilyaccessible relation to the participant when in the chair. Theaforementioned control circuitry is operational, in addition to thecooperative structuring between the control assembly and the driveassembly, to determine the movement of the chair independent of thevideo content. More specifically, cooperative structuring and operativeinterconnection between the control assembly and the driver assemblyaccomplishes substantially corresponding movement of the chair to thatof the movement of the control member of the control assembly. By way ofexample only, the participant may move the control member in a forwarddirection which will automatically and substantially concurrently movethe chair in the corresponding forward direction. Similarly, movement ofthe control member by the participant along a somewhat complex path oftravel will result in a chair being substantially concurrently movedabout the plurality of transversely oriented axes so as to facilitate asubstantially corresponding movement of the chair to that of the controlmember, as manipulated by the participant.

Further, it is recognized that the participant will attempt manualmanipulation or movement of the control member based on the videocontent being viewed on the video display or the monitor. However, thevideo content per se does not control or regulate movement of the chairother than the participant's reaction to the displayed video content andhis/her responsive manipulation of the control member. Further by way ofexample, if the video content comprises an automobile, race car, etc.traveling along a path of travel and encountering various turns,straight-a-ways, obstacles, etc., the chair will move into variouspositions which corresponds to the movement of the control memberoperated by the participant while viewing the video content. However, ifthe participant did not move the control member, the chair in turn willnot move regardless of the simulated travel of the vehicle in the videocontent.

Movement of the chair about each of the plurality of transverselyoriented axes is accomplished by interaction of the control member witha driver assembly comprising a plurality of driver members. The drivermembers are preferably in the form of air cylinders connected in fluidconnection with a fluid or air source by appropriate conduits. Inaddition, operative control circuitry associated with the controlassembly and/or control member will serve to facilitate operation of thefluid communication of the air issuing from the fluid source so as toaccurately operate each of the driver members in a manner which willaccomplish corresponding movement between the chair, about the pluralityof axes as determined by the manipulation of the control member by theparticipant.

Additional structural and operative features of the support assembly ofthe present invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafterand include a speaker assembly mounted on or otherwise disposed relativeto the chair so as to provide clear audio content to the participant.Also, adequate padding or cushioning material may be connected tovarious portions of the support frame and/or chair so as to facilitatecomfort and safety of the participant during operation of the chair. Inassociation therewith, an appropriate restraining assembly in the formof a lap belt or other more sophisticated torso harness may be connectedto the chair to facilitate containment and comfort of the participant.In addition, various siding panels or enclosure components may bemounted on the support frame and/or chair structure so as to adequatelyenclose the chair during the multi-axis movement as well as provide anoperationally realistic environment to the participant when disposed onthe chair.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more clear when the drawings as well as thedetailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of aparticipant supporting chair of the present invention and operativecomponents associated therewith.

FIG. 1A is a detailed perspective view in partial cutaway of a displaymonitor and control member associated at least with the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a differentembodiment of a control member and a user interface both associated atleast with the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation in block diagram form ofinteractive operative components of at least one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, such as represented in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation representing a multi-axis displayof movement about which the gaming chair assembly of the presentinvention may be positioned.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the opposite side the preferredembodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9A is a detailed view of an operative component associated with thedisplay assembly and the display monitor associated therewith.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view in partial schematic of a multi-devicecontroller assembly associated with one or more of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 through 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view in partial schematic representing amodification of the multi-device controller assembly of the embodimentof FIG. 13 and further incorporating an axis selection assembly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view in partial schematic representing yetanother modification of the multi-device controller assembly of theembodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directedto a support assembly generally indicated as 10 including a chair or“gaming chair” 12 movably supported on a support frame generallyindicated as 14. The support frame 14 includes a base 16 fixedly orsecurely connected to or mounted on an appropriate support surface and astanchion assembly 18. The stanchion assembly 18 includes at least onestanchion member extending upwardly and somewhat outwardly from the base16 into supporting interconnection with one or more portions such as at20 of the support frame 14. In addition, the chair 12 is movablyconnected to the support frame 14, 20 by a chair mount generallyindicated as 22. It is emphasized that the specific structural featuresof the support frame 14, 20 as well as the chair mount 22 may assume avariety of different structures and/or configurations which areappropriate to facilitate movement of the chair 12 about a “multi-axis”path of travel.

The multi-axis movement of the chair 12 will be described in greaterdetail with primary reference to the schematic representations of FIGS.2 and 3. Accordingly, the various structural components of the assembly10 facilitate selective and controlled movement of the chair 12 as wellas a participant supported thereon preferably about a plurality of axes,which are preferably transversely oriented, as schematically representedin FIG. 3.

Other structural features associated with the embodiment of FIG. 1, aswell as others of the plurality of preferred embodiments set forth inthe additional figures, include a display assembly 24 including amonitor 26 supported by a monitor mount 28. The monitor 26 may include aflat screen, LCD display or other appropriate monitor facility connectedto or otherwise supported on a platform 27 connected to an outer ordistal end of the monitor mount 28. Further, in the embodiment of FIG.1, the monitor mount 28 includes an elongated configurationinterconnected to the chair 12 or the chair mount 22 in a manner whichaccomplishes movement of the monitor 26 along with the chair 12, as thechair 12 travels through its multi-axis path of travel. Therefore, themonitor mount 28 extends outwardly from a frontal portion of the chair12 a predetermined distance such that the monitor 26 is disposed infacing relation to the frontal portion of the chair 12 in a readilyobservable location relative to a participant on or within the chair 12.

With primary reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, additionalstructural features associated with these embodiments include themonitor mount, generally indicated as 28′, having an elongatedconfiguration. The monitor 26 is connected to and/or supported in asuspended relation at the distal end of the monitor mount 28′ as clearlyrepresented. The opposite end or other appropriate portion of themonitor mount 28′ is interconnected to the chair mount 22 or otherstructure associated with the chair 12. As such, the monitor 26 will bedisposed in overlying relation to the chair 12 and move with the chair12, as it travels about one or all of the plurality of preferablytransversely oriented axes.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is representedin FIG. 6 wherein the monitor mount 28″ also has an elongatedconfiguration with the platform 27 or other appropriate supportstructure secured to an outer or distal end thereof in supportingrelation to the monitor 26. However, in this embodiment the proximal orinner end of the monitor mount 28″ is secured to the base 16. As such,this embodiment of the monitor mount 28″ disposes or supports themonitor 26 in a substantially fixed position, wherein the monitor 26does not travel or move with the chair 12.

Further with regards to the embodiment of FIG. 1, as well as otherembodiments of the assembly 10 shown throughout the accompanyingFigures, the assembly 10 also includes a footrest assembly generallyindicated as 30. The footrest 30 also includes an elongatedconfiguration including at least a single elongated arm or bar member 32having a foot engaging portion 34 at an outer or distal end thereof.Further, the footrest assembly 30 is adjustably connected to the arm 32at a distal end thereof. Accordingly, the foot engaging portion 34 maybe adjustably positioned and therefore variably spaced relative to thechair 12 so as to accommodate participants of various sizes, ages, etc.The adjustable structure associated with the arm 32 and the footengaging portion 34 may comprise a plurality of apertures 32′ formed inthe bar 32 and a locking pin or like structure associated with thefootrest assembly 34. The foot engaging portion will thereby beremovably locked or maintained in a preferred and variable spaceddistance from the chair 12.

With primary reference to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, additional structural andoperative features associated with the embodiment of FIG. 1 and otherpreferred embodiments as represented in accompanying figures include acontrol assembly 38. The control assembly 38 includes a control member40 in the form of a joystick, as at 40′, a steering wheel as at 40″ orother appropriately structured control members. Regardless of thespecific structural features of the control member 40, it is connectedto a support platform 42 which is adjustably and/or movably connected toa monitor mount or otherwise interconnected to the chair 12. The controlmember is movable with the chair through the aforementioned multi-axisrange of movement. In addition, the platform 42 is further structured tocontain or support a user interface 44 as represented in FIG. 1B in theform of a keyboard or other operative component. The user interface 44facilitates interaction between the participant and the control assembly38 and/or a processing assembly generally indicated as 60 schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 2 and described in greater detail hereinafter. Assuch, the platform 42 includes provisions for securing both the controlmember 40 associated with the control assembly 38 as well as theinterface 44 so that the position of either or both can be adjustablerelative to the position of the participant within the chair 12. Also,activation, adjustment or operation may be controlled throughmanipulation of the interface 44 by the participant or other personnelwhich may be in charge of operation of the assembly 10, such as when itis used in a commercial environment.

Yet additional structural and operative features of the assembly 10include the provision of a driver assembly generally and schematicallyrepresented as 50 in FIG. 2. More specifically, the driver assembly 50comprises a plurality of driver members such as, but not limited to, 52and 53 and in certain additional embodiments a third driver member 54,as represented in FIGS. 4 and 4A. Each of the driver members 52, 53 and54 are preferably in the form of an air cylinder as representedthroughout the Figures, wherein each of the plurality of air cylinders,defining the driver members 52, 53 and 54 are connected in fluidcommunication with an air or fluid source generally indicated as 56.

The fluid source 56 may be an air compressor, air pump or otherappropriate facility which generates a sufficient pressure and quantityof air so as to accurately and responsively operate the plurality ofdriver members 52 through 54. Fluid communication between the fluidsupply or source 56 and each of the air cylinders defining the drivermembers 52 through 54 are not shown in detail. However, with primaryreference to FIG. 8, flexible tubing 55 in supported relation on theframe 14 and/or portions of the monitor mount 28 and/or chair mount 22are provided. The flexible tubing 55 serve to house and interconnect theneeded air containing conduits between each of the driver members 52through 54 and the fluid source 56. In addition, an inlet or connectionmodule 57 should be connected to or be considered a part of a housingassembly generally indicated as 58 serving to contain the fluid source56. The housing 58 and the inlet module 57 connected thereto may beassociated with a stand or like supporting structure associated with thebase 16 as also represented in FIG. 7.

As represented, the driver members 52 and 53 are disposed ininterconnecting relation between the support frame 14, 20 and the chair12 and/or chair mount 22. As such, each of at least two of the drivermembers 52 and 53 are disposed and structured to selectively move and/orposition the chair 12 about different ones of a plurality of preferablytransversely oriented axes. As represented in FIG. 2, driver member 52is disposed and structured to rotate or otherwise move the chair 12about transverse axis 52′. In cooperation therewith, driver member 53 isdisposed and structured to rotate or otherwise move the chair 12 aboutthe transverse axis 53′ as schematically represented in FIG. 3. Withreference to FIG. 4, a third driver member 54 may be interconnectedbetween the base 16 and a stanchion assembly 18 which defines part ofthe support frame 14.

More specifically, structural features represented in FIG. 4 include thestanchion assembly 18 being rotatbly or otherwise movably connected tothe base 16 such that the stanchion assembly 18 is movable about yet athird axis 54′ also schematically represented in FIG. 3. The movableinterconnection 19 serving to connect the base 16 and the stanchionassembly 18 may include a bearing assembly (not shown for purposes ofclarity) or other appropriate movable interconnection or jointstructure. Moreover, the movable joint or interconnection 19 serves tofacilitate effective rotation in opposite directions, as indicated bydirectional arrows 19′ and 19″ about the transverse axis 54′ defining atleast one of the plurality of transversely oriented axes 52′, 53′, 54′.As such, the driver member 54 is interconnected between the base 16 andthe support frame 14 and more specifically, the stanchion assembly 18.Accordingly, the third driver member 54 can be said to be disposed indriving relation to the chair 12 by virtue of the driver member 54 beingconnected in driving relation to the stanchion assembly 18 of thesupport frame 14.

Further with regard to the schematic representation of FIG. 3, theplurality of substantially transversely oriented axes 52′, 53′ and 54′collectively define a multi-axis range of movement of the chair 54 uponactivation of the plurality of driver members 52 through 54. While theplurality of transversely oriented axes 52′ through 54′ are indicated asintersecting in perpendicular relation to one another, this schematicrepresentation is presented for purposes of clarity only. Morespecifically, the actual multi-axis of rotation or movement about whichthe driver members 52 through 54 move or position the chair 12 may infact not be intersecting as schematically represented in 53. However,such axes 52′ through 54′ can be accurately described as beingsubstantially transversely oriented while still not intersecting withone another as schematically represented in FIG. 3.

With further regard to the schematic representation of FIG. 2, theprocessing assembly 60 may be defined by a personal computer or otherappropriate computer facilities which may also be structured to includecommunication capabilities with one or more predetermined communicationnetworks such as, but not limited to, the Internet as at 62. Further,the processing assembly 60 may be interconnected to the control assembly38 for operative interaction therewith through interface 34. Further,the processing assembly 60 is electronically connected either throughhardwire or wireless connection to the display assembly 24 as well asthe monitor 26. Such operative interconnection may be furtherfacilitated by the inclusion of the user interface 44 operable by aparticipant to further regulate operational control of the displayassembly 24 and monitor assembly 26.

The Internet or other communication network 62 is accessible through theprocessing assembly 60 by means of the personal computer or otherprocessor facility associated therewith. By virtue of such access,downloading of appropriate software applications is facilitated in orderto further accomplish the intended operation and control. Also, theprocessing assembly 60 through its interconnection with the Internet orother communication network 62 is adapted for direct operativeinterconnection with a plurality of gaming platforms or applicationswhich are commercially available.

With further reference to the schematic representation of FIG. 2, thecontrol assembly 38 is operatively connected to the driver assembly 50so as to accurately and substantially concurrently control theactivation of the various driver members 52, 53, 54. Instantaneous orconcurrent movement of the chair 12 about the plurality of preferablytransversely oriented axes 52′ through 54′ is thereby efficientlyaccomplished. As such, the control assembly 38 includes theaforementioned control member 40 in the form of joystick 40′, steeringwheel 40″ or appropriate structure serving to activate and operate thedriver members 52 through 54 of the driver assembly 50. As such, controlcircuitry 49 serves to interconnect operative components of the controlassembly 38, including the control member 40 with the operativecomponents of the driver assembly 50 so as to actuate the fluid supplyor source 56. Activation of the fluid source 56 serves to activate eachof the driver members 52, 53, 54, etc. concurrently or independently andthereby accomplish the almost universal movement of the chair 12 aboutany one or concurrently all of the substantially transversely orientedaxes 52′ through 54′.

Yet additional structural features of one or more of the preferredembodiments of the assembly 10 of the present invention included inFIGS. 9 and 9A through 12. More specifically, with primary reference toFIGS. 9 and 9A, an input port or like module 70 is mounted in spaced butaccessible relation to the frontal portion of the chair 12, such as onthe support platform 27 of the monitor mount 24. As such, this device isused as a storage and input facility for connecting cables or conductorsserving to interconnect the various components of the assembly 10. Suchinput facilities include, but may not be limited to, a USB port, audioport, s-video port, VGA, card reader and interconnection to the controlmember 40. As with the flexible tubing 55 represented in the embodimentof FIG. 8, an equivalent flexible tubing 55 may be utilized to houseinterconnecting cables, electrical conductors or the like between theintended operative device and the input module 70.

As shown in FIG. 10, yet additional structural features associated withone or more of the preferred embodiments of the assembly 10 may includea restraining assembly generally indicated as 74. The restrainingassembly 74 is mounted on or connected to the chair 12 in an appropriatefashion so as to comfortably secure a participant in or on the chair 12.The restraining assembly 74 may take the form of an upper chest or torsoharness as indicated and/or a lap strap, not shown for purposes ofclarity.

FIG. 11 represents yet another structural modification and embodimentassociated with the assembly 10 and more specifically associated withand/or in surrounding relation to the chair 12. Such modificationincludes side and/or other enclosure panels 76 mounted on the supportframe 14, 20 and/or the chair mount 22. FIG. 12 represents yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality ofcushioning members 78 disposed on a plurality of the parts associatedwith the frame 14, foot assembly 30, monitor mount 28 and/or otherstructural members associated with the seat 12. As such, the cushioningor protective member 78 may be in the form of sleeves or like structureswhich at least partially surround or cover exposed portions of theaforementioned components in order to protect the participant supportedon the chair 12 from injury. The cushioning members 78 may comprisevarious resilient and/or cushioning type materials in order to preventany direct contact by the participant.

Yet additional structural and operative features which could beincorporated in the present invention are represented in FIGS. 13through 15 and include a controller assembly generally indicated as 100.The controller assembly 100 is used for the purpose of controllingconsole game systems 102, while substantially concurrently being able tocontrol one or more additional devices. Such additional devices include,but are not limited to, a game chair 12 as represented in FIGS. 1through 12, the control board 108 associated therewith or a computersystem 110. As such the computer system 110 can control the game chair12 or any one or more additional devices.

As represented in FIG. 13, two connecting cables 104 and 106 areconnected to the control assembly 100, wherein cable 104 represents aUSB or other cable type that interconnects the controller assembly 100and the game system 102. The other of the two cables, 106, connects toan auxiliary device such as the game chair control board 108 oralternatively to the computer assembly 110. As set forth above, thecomputer assembly 110 may be operative to control one or more additionaldevices, such as the game chair 12. The other end of the cable 106 isconnected inside the controller assembly 100 to operating circuitryassociated therewith (not shown for purposes of clarity). Moreover, thewires are attached to the pointmeter leads on any of the controls of thevarious joysticks 112 associated with the operative electronic circuitryinside the controller assembly 100. Further, the cable 106 can also bewired to controller button leads, as at 114.

Accordingly, by accomplishing such electrical interconnections, theresistance of the joystick 112, etc. or the state of the controlbuttons, as at 114, can be transferred to other devices such as the gamecontrol board 108, computer assembly 110, etc. As a result, the inputfrom the joystick(s) 112 and/or controls can be used to mimic the motionappearing on the console game screen 26 as represented in FIGS. 1through 12 with corresponding motions to the game chair 12. Further, allof the above can be accomplished without having to run or apply specificsoftware applications on the game console, which in most cases is notpossible from third parties without a lengthy approval process.

With primary reference to FIG. 14, a variation of the control assemblyas represented in FIG. 13 is disclosed in FIG. 14 and is operativelystructured to perform in substantially the same manner. However, in themodified embodiment of FIG. 14, a switch box controller 116 is disposedbetween the game controller and any other device that is beingcontrolled. This switch box assembly 116 has a series of buttons foreach access that the game chair 12 or other controlled device will beassociated with. This will allow an individual or a user to selectjoystick 112, 112′, 112″, etc. to be used to correspond to the movementof the chair 12 about a selected axis. By way of example only, if theuser presses or otherwise activates the first button (1) under the Xaxis on the switch box controller 16, as well as button (3) under the Yaxis of the switch box controller 116, the result will be a side to sidemotion of the game chair 12, which can be controlled by a selected oneof the joysticks, as at 112. Further, the up and down motion of thechair 12 could be controlled by the joystick, as at 112″. As such, thecontroller assembly 100 will make it easy and efficient for a user tocustomize the control of the chair 12 to a specific or selectedperformance characteristic.

With primary reference to FIG. 15, another alternate embodiment andoperative configuration of the controller assembly 100 represents theaddition of an electronic control repeater board 120. Accordingly,instead of adding an additional cable, as at 106 to the controllerassembly 100, as represented in FIGS. 13 and 14. The existing or othersingle cable 104 is plugged into the electronic control repeater board120. The signal is then split and sent to both the game console 102 andthe other devices, such as the game chair control board 108, computerassembly 110, etc. Accordingly, the concurrent splitting of the signalcreates a simultaneous and equivalent input to the receiving componentsas clearly represented. Further, this interconnection does not have tobe limited to two devices, as indicated in FIG. 15, but can be expandedto associate a larger number of devices concurrently. This solution andoperable configuration of FIG. 14 is electronically controlled by thesame switch box device 116 described. Alternatively, it may beintegrated into the repeater board 120 thereby rendering the X, Y axisselectively available to the user. This solution works efficiently sinceit does not require the game controller assembly 100 to be opened andmanipulated in any way in that all operative signaling and circuitryperformance takes place on the electronic board associated with thecontrol assembly 100.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. An assembly structured to movably support a video game participant,said assembly comprising: a support frame including a base, a chairmovably connected to said support frame and structured to support theparticipant thereon, a driver assembly movably interconnected betweensaid support frame and said chair and structured to concurrently movesaid chair about a plurality of transversely oriented axes, a controlassembly operable by the participant and structured to be at leastpartially determinative of the movement of said chair, a displayassembly including a monitor, said monitor interconnected to said chairand movable therewith relative to at least a portion of said supportframe, a processing assembly operatively associated with said displayassembly and structured to be at least partially determinative of videocontent of said monitor, and said control assembly and said driverassembly operatively interconnected and cooperatively structured todetermine movement of said chair independently of the video content. 2.An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said driver assembly comprisesa fluid supply connected in fluid communication with a plurality ofdriver members, each of at least two of said plurality of driver membersdisposed and structured to move said chair about a different one of saidplurality of transversely oriented axes.
 3. An assembly as recited inclaim 2 wherein said plurality of driver members further comprises atleast a third driver member disposed and structured to move said chairabout a third of said plurality of transversely oriented axes.
 4. Anassembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said third driver member isinterconnected between said base and a movable portion of said supportframe in driving relation to said chair.
 5. An assembly as recited inclaim 3 wherein said two driver members are interconnected between saidsupport frame and said chair in driving relation to said chair.
 6. Anassembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a footrest adjustablyconnected to said chair and extending outwardly therefrom a variabledistance in at least partially aligned relation to said monitor.
 7. Anassembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a monitor mountinterconnected to said chair and having an elongated configurationextending outwardly from a frontal portion of the chair, said monitormount including a platform disposed and structured to support saidmonitor thereon in facing relation to said chair.
 8. An assembly asrecited in claim 7 further comprising a footrest assembly adjustablyconnected to said chair and extending outwardly therefrom in acorresponding direction as said monitor mount and substantially beneathsaid monitor.
 9. An assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising acontrol mount adjustably interconnected to said chair and disposed avariably spaced distance from a frontal portion thereof.
 10. An assemblyas recited in claim 1 wherein said control assembly comprises a manuallypositionable control member cooperatively structured with said driverassembly to control movement of said chair.
 11. An assembly as recitedin claim 10 wherein said control member is operatively interconnected tosaid driver assembly and is structured to accomplish correspondingmovement between said chair and said control member by substantiallycorresponding manual movement of said control member.
 12. An assembly asrecited in claim 11 wherein said chair is independently and concurrentlymovable about each of said plurality of transversely oriented axes. 13.An assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a user interfaceoperatively connected to said processor assembly, said user interfaceadjustably disposable in accessible relation to said chair and in avicinity of a manually operable control member associated with saidcontrol assembly.
 14. An assembly as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a monitor mount interconnected to said chair and movabletherewith, said monitor mount comprising an elongated configurationextending above and in overlying relation to said chair and intosupporting, suspending relation to said monitor.
 15. An assemblystructured to movably support a video gaming participant, said assemblycomprising: a support frame including a base and a stanchion assemblyconnected to said base, a chair movably interconnected in supportedrelation to said stanchion assembly, said chair structured to movablysupport the participant on said support frame, a driver assemblyincluding a plurality of driver members collectively structured toconcurrently and independently move said chair about each of a pluralityof transversely oriented axes, a control assembly including a manuallyoperable control member cooperatively structured with said plurality ofdriver members to determine corresponding movement of said chair andsaid control member about said plurality of transversely oriented axes,a display assembly including a monitor disposed in observable relationto the participant when on said chair, a processing assembly operativelyassociated with said display assembly and structured to be at leastpartially determinative of video content on said monitor, and saidcontrol assembly and said driver assembly operatively interconnected andcooperatively structured to determine movement of said chairindependently of the video content.
 16. An assembly as recited in claim15 wherein said plurality of said driver members comprise at least afirst driver member and a second driver member each disposed andstructured to move said chair about a different one of said plurality oftransversely oriented axes.
 17. An assembly as recited in claim 16wherein said plurality of driver members comprise a third driver memberdisposed and structured to move said chair about a third of saidplurality of transversely oriented axes.
 18. An assembly as recited inclaim 17 wherein said stanchion assembly is rotationally connected tosaid base, said third driver member interconnected between said base andsaid stanchion assembly and in driving relation to said stanchionassembly.
 19. An assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising amonitor mount interconnected to said chair and movable therewith, saidmonitor mount comprising an elongated configuration extending above andin overlying relation to said chair and into supporting, suspendingrelation to said monitor.
 20. An assembly as recited in claim 15 furthercomprising a monitor mount including an elongated configurationconnected to and extending outwardly from said base in supportingrelation to said monitor, and said monitor mount disposed and structuredto fixedly position said monitor relative to said base.
 21. An assemblyas recited in claim 15 wherein said processing assembly is structured toinclude communication capabilities with at least one communicationnetwork.
 22. An assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said at leastone communication network includes the Internet.
 23. An assemblystructured to movably support a video gaming participant, said assemblycomprising: a support frame including a base and a stanchion assemblyconnected to said base, a chair movably interconnected in supportedrelation to said stanchion assembly, said chair structured to movablysupport the participant on said support frame, a driver assemblyincluding a plurality of driver members each disposed and structured tomovably position said chair about a different one of a plurality ofsubstantially transversely oriented axes, a control assembly including amanually operable control structure operatively connected to said driverassembly, a display assembly including a monitor disposed in spacedrelation to the participant when on said chair, a processing assemblyoperatively associated with said display assembly and structured to bepartially determinative of video content of said monitor, and saidcontrol assembly and said driver assembly cooperatively structured tooperatively interconnect said manually operable control member and saidplurality of driver members to facilitate corresponding movement of saidchair and said manually operable control member, as said chair movesabout said plurality of transversely oriented axes.
 24. An assembly asrecited in claim 23 wherein said plurality of said driver membersinclude at least a first driver member and a second driver member eachcomprising an air cylinder, each of said first and second driver membersdisposed and structured to move said chair about a different one of saidplurality of transversely oriented axes.
 25. An assembly as recited inclaim 24 wherein said plurality of driver members comprises a thirddriver member comprising an air cylinder disposed and structured to movesaid chair about a third of said plurality of transversely orientedaxes.